AmEx: 24% profit drop, better than forecasts

Amex hit by credit card defaults
American Express sees first quarter profits fall 6%, after the number of cardholders defaulting on debts rises.

Factory orders in sharp decline
New factory orders fell for fourth straight month in November, the government said Tuesday, posting a much steeper decline than economists had expected.

Toyota sales plunge in November
Toyota reports a 21.8% fall in gloabl vehicle sales in November, its worst decline since it began tracking such data.

First-ever decline for online holiday sales
In the latest sign of consumers in distress, online holiday sales registered a first-ever decline in seven years, according to sales tracker ComScore.

Housing permits, starts hit record lows
Housing permits and starts fell to record lows in November, the government said Tuesday, in the latest sign that the housing market is continuing its decline.